If you have ever been into a new age book shop or a yoga studio, you may’ve noticed that there is sometimes a particular smell. These places practice a Native American tradition called smudging, that uses sacred herb’s smoke to purify the room. It is similar to the burning incense. The smudging is commonly linked to sage, but there are other herbs that can provide that benefit and more.
The bay leaves are associated with the Roman and Greek folklore and Caribbean and Indian cuisine and culture. They are not only used in fairytales and food but used as fragrance ingredient in detergents, soaps, perfumes, lotions and creams.
Traditionally, bay leaves are used as anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, analgesic and sedative. They have also anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and it lowers the heart rate and blood pressure.